Journal article

Increased birth weight associated with regular pre-pregnancy deworming and weekly iron-folic acid supplementation for vietnamese women

L Passerini, GJ Casey, BA Biggs, DT Cong, LB Phu, TQ Phuc, M Carone, A Montresor

Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases | PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE | Published : 2012

Abstract

Background: Hookworm infections are significant public health issues in South-East Asia. In women of reproductive age, chronic hookworm infections cause iron deficiency anaemia, which, upon pregnancy, can lead to intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Low birth weight is an important risk factor for neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. Methodology: We investigated the association between neonatal birth weight and a 4-monthly deworming and weekly iron-folic acid supplementation program given to women of reproductive age in north-west Vietnam. The program was made available to all women of reproductive age (estimated 51,623) in two districts in Yen Bai Province for 20 mo..

View full abstract

University of Melbourne Researchers